How to Help Save Elephants

It's easy to feel powerless when you hear about the declining elephant population. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to help save these amazing creatures. Research conservation organizations that protect elephants and become a member of one. Become an advocate of elephants and get others to join you in contacting your representatives. There are also simple things you can do to prevent elephant habitat loss and discourage poaching.

Getting Involved with Elephant-Protection Organizations

Join a conservation organization. There are many organizations that claim to support elephants so it's important to do your research on the organization. Check charity navigator or better business bureau websites to check the organization's credentials. Here are few organizations to get you started:

International Elephant Foundation

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

African Wildlife Foundation

Amboseli Elephant Research Project

World Wildlife Fund

Make a one-time or recurring donation. Once you've found an elephant protection organization that you want to support, learn how it uses its funds. Some organizations educate people that frequently come into conflict with elephants, others protect the rangers that guard elephants against poachers, and some provide medical treatment and help to elephants injured by poachers. Decide if you want to make a one-time donation or if you want to become a monthly donor.

Adopt an elephant. If you know someone who loves elephants, give them the gift of symbolically adopting an elephant. Several organizations will let you "adopt" an elephant. You might receive a plush elephant, certificate of adoption, photo, informational card, or gift bag with your donation. These organizations offer elephant adoptions:

World Wildlife Foundation: Adoptions for African or Asian elephants start with a $55 donation.

World Animal Foundation: Adoptions start with a $35 donation (plus $6.95 for shipping and handling).

Born Free: Adoption level starts at £2.50 a month.

Defenders of Wildlife: Adoption levels start at $20.

Intern at an elephant sanctuary. In the U.S. elephants that are retired from performing may be cared for at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Other countries offer similar wildlife sanctuaries where elephants are protected and receive medical attention. Check with the sanctuary to find out if you can intern, volunteer, or lead tours.

Keep in mind that you might not have direct contact with the elephants even if you volunteer at the sanctuary. Instead, you'll be supporting the organization that cares for them.

Advocating and Raising Awareness For Elephant Causes

Contact your representatives about existing legislation. Read legislation that has been introduced within your government that protects or harms elephants. Call your representatives and ask them how they would vote on the legislation. Urge them to support elephants by protecting them or voting against harmful legislation.

For example, H.R. bill 226 in the U.S. would support anti-poaching efforts but would make the ivory trade legal within the U.S. Call your representatives and urge them to vote no on this legislation.

Sign petitions that protect elephants within your region. Research conservation laws within your city and state. Connect with organizations that are currently trying to get initiatives on the ballot and offer to get signatures for the petition.

For example, find a grassroots campaign in your state that protects elephants. You could collect signatures for a ballot measure that bans the sale of ivory within your state.

Organize a letter writing campaign. Choose a specific issue related to protecting elephants and gather people in your community. Use social media or place a notice in your city's newspaper urging people to contact their officials. Write letters to your representatives urging them to take specific action to support elephants.

For example, you might hold a campaign to shut down the illegal ivory market, protect elephant habitats, improve conditions for elephants at zoos within your state, or strengthen bans against importing ivory.

Share information about elephants on social media. Get your friends and followers on social media passionate about elephants. Share articles and videos that highlight how special elephants are. The more people are interested in elephants, the more likely they are to protect them.

Stay connected with elephant protection organizations through social media. This will help you stay up to date with their conservation efforts.

Taking Action to Protect Elephants

Avoid products made with elephant ivory. Thousands of elephants are killed for their ivory tusks every year. To discourage the ivory trade, don't buy any items that are made with ivory. If you're unsure if a product contains ivory, ask what it's made of and where it was made.

Don't purchase second-hand or antique ivory objects either because this feeds the demand for more ivory products.

Choose products that protect an elephant's habitat. Elephants may come into conflict with people when their habitat is used for growing coffee, timber, or palm oil. Avoid buying palm oil and products that have palm oil in them, and only purchase coffee that's fair-trade or shade-grown. If you buy timber or wood products, check if they're certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Read about elephant conservation issues. It's easy to sign up for monthly donations to an elephant organization, but it's important to follow what's happening with conservation efforts. Stay connected to learn about changes to habitats or government policy. Then you'll be able to spread awareness about a new issue or contact your representative.

Sign up for emails from the organization you joined. You'll be the first to hear about successful conservation efforts and challenges that the elephants are facing.

Avoid zoos, shelters, or shows where elephants aren't treated humanely. If you're planning to visit elephants in your community, ensure that they aren't being mistreated or made to perform for entertainment. For example, don't pay to visit elephant "shelters" that operate for solely for profit.

Check with the zoo in your area to learn how they got their elephants. Zoos should never buy elephants from poachers or remove them from their wild habitats.